Jj Virgin Lifestyle Show

"Chemicals are actually more dangerous at low doses than high ones... they're small amounts, but they're able to do a lot with the size and concentration and power of what they are." – Dr. Aly Cohen I invited back triple board-certified physician Dr. Aly Cohen to tackle the intimidating world of environmental toxins. As a rheumatologist, internist, and integrative medicine specialist, she brings a uniquely practical approach to a topic that can feel overwhelming. What I love about Aly's perspective is her emphasis on making reasonable, sustainable changes rather than attempting perfection. We explored how these small daily exposures accumulate in our bodies over time, the biggest offenders to focus on first, and her practical four-step process for reducing your toxic load without driving yourself crazy. If you've ever felt paralyzed by information overload about toxins, this conversation offers a refreshingly sane roadmap to better health.   What you’ll learn: Why low-dose chemical exposures can be mo

I was shocked when my dentist connected my bleeding gums to low estrogen – the same culprit behind my achy joints and poor recovery! This revelation unlocked my understanding of what Dr. Vonda Wright calls the "Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause." If you're waking up feeling stiff, experiencing joint pain, or noticing your body doesn't bounce back like it used to, you're not crazy or broken – you're experiencing a natural but manageable part of midlife. Contrary to popular advice, the answer isn't to move less or accept joint pain as inevitable. I'm sharing the science-backed strategies that helped me delay knee surgery for 25 years and recently transformed my debilitating foot pain into pain-free walking, from strength training protocols to regenerative therapies and anti-inflammatory nutrition approaches that actually work.   What you’ll learn: Why joint pain often emerges during perimenopause and menopause (hint: it's about more than just aging) The truth about movement – why "protecting" y

"Passionate lovemaking is a mindfulness practice. Even for me now, I have to get in there, connect with my husband, and focus on sensation." – Susan Bratton I sat down with my longtime friend Susan Bratton, intimacy expert to millions and respected sexual biohacker, for a conversation that was even more fulfilling than I anticipated. Susan advocates for all who desire intimacy and passion throughout their entire lives, and she's here to shatter the myth that sexuality diminishes with age. Quite the opposite – she explains how we can experience our most profound pleasure in our 60s and beyond! Susan reveals that studies show people who continue having passionate lovemaking throughout their lifespan live 10 years longer, look 10 years younger, and die significantly happier. We explore how sexual wellness creates a cascade of beneficial neurotransmitters, oxygenates your brain, improves immune function, and releases natural killer cells (think sexual autophagy!). Most illuminating was her revelation that women

I'm pulling back the curtain on metabolism myths and sharing what really works for women navigating midlife changes. The truth is, your metabolism isn't simply "fast" or "slow" - it's a complex system where small adjustments can create meaningful change. Forget the trendy metabolism hacks that promise miracles! I'll reveal why prioritizing sleep might be more powerful than that cold plunge you've been suffering through, how fidgeting and everyday movement (yes, really!) outperforms your cardio session, and the one supplement that genuinely makes a difference for your metabolic health. These science-backed strategies have helped thousands of my clients reclaim their energy and transform their relationship with their body during perimenopause and beyond.   What you’ll learn: Why the concept of "fast" versus "slow" metabolism is misleading and what actually drives your daily calorie burn How NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) can burn up to 2000 calories daily - far more than traditional wor

Dave Asprey, the father of biohacking, joins me to explore the revolutionary concept of meditation for the modern brain in his new book "Heavily Meditated." Dave shares his journey from being a stressed, overweight, and unhappy tech executive to discovering how ancient wisdom combined with cutting-edge technology can permanently remove emotional triggers. We dive deep into why traditional meditation is outdated for today's brains and how different meditation techniques can be matched to your specific needs – just as you'd choose the right diet or exercise for your goals. Dave reveals his powerful "reset process" that helped me overcome my own trauma years ago at 40 Years of Zen, explaining how we can finally free ourselves from reactive patterns that drain our energy and relationships. It's a game-changer for perimenopause and menopause when hormonal shifts leave us with less margin for emotional triggers.   What you’ll learn: Why traditional meditation approaches may not work for your unique brain and

Many women in midlife are discovering that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have been game-changers for improving metabolic health—but what happens when these medications become unavailable or too expensive? I'm excited to share five powerful, science-backed alternatives that can help you naturally stimulate GLP-1 production in your body without prescriptions. From the surprising benefits of a rare sugar called allulose that mimics GLP-1 effects without spiking insulin, to a New Zealand hops extract that raises GLP-1 levels for four hours after ingestion, these alternatives offer real solutions for women looking to maintain their fat loss progress and metabolic healing. We also dive into how specific probiotics, the protein-fiber combination, and berberine can naturally boost your body's GLP-1 production while addressing underlying metabolic issues that contribute to weight gain in our 40s and beyond.   What you’ll learn: Why GLP-1 medications work so effectively and how they impact your metab

"Doctors are humans, and we are patients, too. I decided to start sharing what I was doing in my own life, and it has transformed the way I practice medicine, the way I parent, and literally every aspect of my life." - Dr. Jamie Seeman I had to track down Dr. Jamie Seeman (a.k.a. Dr. Fit and Fabulous) because her content is absolutely amazing! As a board-certified OBGYN with specialized training in nutrition, menopause, and exercise science, Jamie brings a unique perspective to women's health that's both scientifically sound and personally tested. After struggling with prediabetes, hypothyroidism, and feeling unfulfilled, she transformed her health by returning to basics—proper nutrition and strength training. We dive deep into the critical importance of muscle for women over 40, why resistance training should be prioritized over cardio, and how to optimize hormones during perimenopause and beyond. Jamie debunks popular myths about exercise's impact on cortisol and shares her practical approach to nutrition

I'm busting a major myth today that's holding back so many women in their quest for health after 60: the idea that carbs are the enemy. While diet dogmas like keto and carnivore have vilified carbohydrates, I'm sharing why strategic carb consumption is actually essential for your metabolism, muscle maintenance, and longevity as you age. The truth is that your body is not just a bank account or chemistry lab—it's also a history book, and carbs play a crucial role in that story, especially for stressed women, active women, and those struggling with hunger control. Discover why your brain loves carbs, how they support adrenal health, and which nutrient-packed carb sources can actually enhance your muscle strength and energy levels after 60.   What you’ll learn: Why the "carbs make you fat" myth is oversimplified and how macronutrient balance actually impacts weight How carbs support your exercise recovery by replenishing muscle glycogen stores The crucial role carbohydrates play in adrenal hea

"Every professional athlete I've worked with has specialists that help them. They have coaches, they have trainers. Getting a coach doesn't mean you're weak. It means that you know the best use of your time is not to do a deep dive in every single aspect of health and wellness." - Dr. Myles Spar I brought on the perfect expert to help you understand and support the men in your life! Dr. Myles Spar delivers a masterclass in men's health by framing wellness through the lens of performance and winning, something that resonates deeply with men. He reveals why traditional medical tests miss crucial markers of disease risk, explains how chronic stress literally kills brain cells, and shares the Medicine 3.0 approach that focuses on prevention and measurable outcomes. We discuss why you need to look beyond standard cholesterol panels to truly assess heart attack risk, and explore how testosterone optimization coupled with proper training transformed my husband's body composition dramatically. This conversation give

I'm exposing the truth about midlife energy crashes that so many of us face—and it's not just about getting older! From those "healthy" morning smoothies that spike your blood sugar to the late-night screen time stealing your deep sleep, these energy vampires are sabotaging your vitality. As women in perimenopause, those 3am wake-ups aren't random, they're hormonal landmines like dropping progesterone levels that need addressing. I've spent years helping women reclaim their energy through simple but powerful adjustments: protein-loaded breakfasts that stabilize blood sugar, strategic movement that builds your "metabolic battery," and key supplements like creatine and electrolytes that specifically support women's biochemistry. The changes I've seen in my clients are nothing short of remarkable, tripling their energy in just 14 days using these exact protocols.   What you’ll learn: Why your morning smoothie might be your biggest energy saboteur and how to transform it into a power breakfast The su

"Sometimes life directs you somewhere you didn't plan on going, and you realize everything happens for a reason." - Dr. Trupti Gokani I was absolutely fascinated by my conversation with Dr. Trupti Gokani, an award-winning neurologist who has brilliantly bridged Western medicine with ancient Ayurvedic wisdom. Her journey began during her first year of medical school when debilitating insomnia led her to discover Ayurveda after conventional medicine failed her. What's remarkable is how she's developed a three-brain optimization approach (head, gut, and microbiome) that addresses the root causes of chronic conditions instead of just managing symptoms. We explored the three Ayurvedic body types—Vata (air/space), Pitta (fire/water), and Kapha (earth/water)—and how understanding your unique constitution can transform your approach to diet, stress, and health challenges. This conversation offers powerful insights for women feeling disconnected from their bodies or struggling with stress-related conditions like migr

I'm exposing the truth about how high-protein foods can mimic the appetite-suppressing effects of weight loss drugs but with benefits instead of side effects. When you use Ozempic or similar medications, up to 40% of your weight loss can come from muscle, devastating your metabolism and setting you up for rebound fat gain. Protein, however, works naturally with your body's hunger hormones—slashing ghrelin for 3+ hours, maintaining healthy leptin levels, and boosting PYY—all while providing essential amino acids for mood-regulating neurotransmitters. I'm sharing my complete Ozempic-mimicking protein protocol, including the magic combination with fiber that naturally stimulates GLP-1 production (the same hormone triggered by those expensive medications). Plus, protein's thermogenic effect means you'll burn more calories digesting it, and when paired with resistance training, you'll maintain or even build metabolism-boosting muscle rather than losing it.   What you’ll learn: How protein naturally controls hunge

"No one feels good about having to tell a pet parent 'there's nothing more we can do." - Dr. Marlene Siegel I was absolutely blown away by my conversation with Dr. Marlene Siegel, a pioneer in integrative veterinary medicine with 40 years of experience. Her passion for bio-regulatory medicine—addressing the root causes of pet illness rather than just managing symptoms—is transforming how we think about pet health. Dr. Siegel shared shocking statistics about pet cancer rates and explained how the same environmental toxins affecting human health are devastating our pets, who are even more vulnerable due to their smaller size. What truly resonated was her revolutionary wellness framework that mirrors what many health-conscious people are already doing for themselves, only now we can extend this life-changing approach to our beloved animal companions.   What you’ll learn: Why pet cancer rates are soaring and how environmental toxins are affecting pets even more severely than humans The six-step bio-regulatory

I'm tackling a question I get all the time—how to tighten and tone those "bat wings" under your arms. This isn't just about vanity; it's about counteracting the muscle loss that naturally occurs as you age. Starting around 30, you begin losing up to 1% of muscle mass yearly due to something called anabolic resistance, and declining estrogen during perimenopause makes it even harder to maintain muscle. But here's the exciting truth—muscle loss isn't inevitable! I've seen amazing women in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s build impressive muscle. The key is understanding that you can't spot-reduce fat, but you can build muscle that creates that toned look. I'll share why compound movements beat isolation exercises, why progressive overload matters, and specific strategies for nutrition and exercise that work especially well during menopause.   What you’ll learn: Why women experience muscle loss starting at age 30 and how declining estrogen during perimenopause accelerates this process The truth about "spot reducti

"I am on a mission to show in the most positive manner just how far off a lot of these people are and to show people there's hope and to teach them how to do it without completely eradicating their health." - Dylan Gemelli I sat down with Dylan Gemelli, a prominent figure in the fitness and biohacking industry who's transitioned from the bodybuilding world to becoming a cellular health expert. Dylan shared his incredible journey of rebuilding his life from scratch, discovering peptides and SARMs long before they became mainstream, and his personal battle with heart disease that led him to prove medical professionals wrong about what's possible. We dive deep into the world of peptides, cardiovascular health testing beyond standard panels, and why the hierarchy of health should include strategic supplementation for optimal aging. Dylan's passion for challenging medical dogma is infectious, especially his evidence that LP(a) levels can be lowered despite conventional wisdom saying otherwise. What you'll learn:

I invite you to join me in a deep dive into why dark chocolate should be part of your fat-loss strategy—yes, you read that right! This episode reveals why bitter dark chocolate actually satisfies sweet cravings, lowers your appetite-stimulating hormones, enhances metabolism, and supports insulin sensitivity. I break down the complete fat loss picture for women in perimenopause and beyond, explaining why muscle is your metabolic superpower and how protein, fat, and fiber create the ultimate satiety trifecta. Learn about resistant starch foods that can boost fat burning by 20-30% after meals, and discover my everyday strategies for managing portions, cravings, and creating a sustainable eating approach that works specifically for your body's unique needs. Listen to my interview with Dr. Annette Bosworth    What you’ll learn: Why dark chocolate supports fat loss by satisfying cravings and enhancing metabolism How women's metabolism differs from men's and changes during perimenopause The importance of protein

"Vegetable oils are oxidative stress in a bottle. And oxidative stress is the root cause of disease and death. So vegetable oils are really death in a bottle, accelerated aging in a bottle." - Dr. Cate Shanahan I hosted family physician and medical revolutionist Dr. Cate Shanahan to unpack the science behind "seed oils" and their devastating impact on our metabolic health. What started as my own misconception about omega-6 to omega-3 ratios turned into a shocking revelation about how these industrial oils create toxic byproducts in our bodies. The "Hateful Eight" seed oils—corn, canola, cottonseed, soy, sunflower, safflower, rice bran, and grapeseed—aren't just causing inflammation; they're literally creating oxidative stress that accelerates aging and drives disease. Dr. Cate explained how eliminating these oils from her diet helped heal her own health crisis and even eliminated her lifelong sugar cravings! If you're experiencing inflammation, insulin resistance, or simply want to upgrade your energy and met

Tossing aside those tiny pink dumbbells might be the best decision you make for your arms! After 40 years helping people transform their bodies, I'm sharing why those high-rep, low-weight workouts aren't delivering the toned arms you want. True muscle definition comes from understanding what muscle tone actually is—a partial contraction that gives shape even at rest—and that requires stimulating real muscle growth with challenging weights. I break down exactly how many sets, reps, and what types of compound movements will transform your upper body, plus why concerns about getting "bulky" are completely unfounded (something I've literally never seen happen unless someone's overeating and not exercising).   What you’ll learn: Why the "small weights, high reps" approach won't give you the toned arms you want The truth about muscle tone and why you won't get "bulky" from resistance training How compound movements are more effective than isolation exercises for defined arms The ideal protein intake and traini

"When I graduated college and moved into my apartment, I started feeling unwell. I was high on adrenaline and combating it, but I knew something was wrong. It wasn't until I moved out two years later that I discovered black mold behind my bed and that my oven had been leaking carbon monoxide!" - Melanie Avalon Melanie Avalon returns to the show after nearly a decade, and we dive deep into all things biohacking, longevity, and wellness. This Renaissance woman—actress, author, podcaster, and entrepreneur—shares her passionate perspective on topics from wine consumption to protein intake that challenge conventional wisdom. I was fascinated by her strategic approach to finding healthier wines at restaurants and her commitment to one-meal-a-day eating while maintaining muscle mass. We explore the EMF risks from our devices, debate protein's role in longevity, and discuss the importance of red light therapy and sauna sessions for detoxification. Melanie's journey into biohacking began with health challenges that le

I'm tackling a hot topic today that might surprise you: why intermittent fasting could be backfiring for women over 40. If you've been diligently following that 16:8 schedule and skipping breakfast, you might actually be accelerating muscle loss at a time when preserving lean mass is critical. Studies show that women in perimenopause and beyond need MORE protein, not less, and that consuming it earlier in the day is essential for maintaining metabolic health. I explain why eating breakfast sets your metabolic tone for the day, prevents the catabolic breakdown of muscle, and helps regulate blood sugar. Plus, I share my personal experiment with fasted workouts versus eating before training—with surprising results that changed my entire approach to morning nutrition. At age 40+, we need to focus on preserving muscle tissue to maintain metabolism and quality of life, not just weight management. This episode reveals exactly how much protein you need, delicious high-protein breakfast options, and how to adapt inter